Understanding the merits and demerits of volunteering and voluntourism

International volunteering is a lucrative business – generating over $170 billion annually (Hartman et al. 2014) mostly contributing to the tourism sector through airfare and local travel. Many gap year students are excited to travel far and beyond to make a difference through volunteering. These students connect with a local organization through a volunteer placement agency most of which charge application as well as programme fees. Those who have found the experience fulfilling have returned to the place they have loved – volunteering as many times as possible. But is volunteering ideal for every student?